Device for opening clogged lubrication fitting passages



. F. D. JONES DEVICE FOR OPENING CLOGGED LUBRICATION Jan. 10, 1950 FITTING PASSAGES Filed Dec. 20, 1945 Patented Jan. 10, 1950 DEVICE FOR' OPENING CLOGGE-D LUBRiGlM TION"? FITTING BASSAGES Z CTaimS. (Cl. 151-406).

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in a device for opening clogged lubrication fitting passages.

More specifically, the present invention proposes the construction of a device for opening clogged lubrication fitting passages comprising a barrel adapted to be secured in the fitting passage and having a chamber in which an explosive cartridge is disposed, and means for firing the cartridge so that the explosive force and expanding gases clear the clogged fitting passage.

A further object is to provide a device as aforesaid, having a safety feature for preventing accidental dischargeof the cartridge.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawing forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device constructed in accordance with this invention.

Fig. 2 is an axial section through the device, parts being shown in section.

The device for opening clogged lubrication fitting passages, according to this invention, includes a barrel l having reduced threaded necks II and [2 at its opposite ends, the neck ll being equal in diameter to the neck I2 and for the purpose of screwing in the clogged grease passage and the neck l2 for attachment to a head l3.

The neck I2 is bored to provide a seat 14 for the flange of a blank cartridge l5, which is a cartridge having only powder and Wadding. A chamber 16 extends from the seat I4 for the shell of the cartridge, and a bore l1 continues from the chamber [6 through the neck II.

The head 13 includes a chamber [8 closed by an end wall [9 in which a bore 20 is formed in line with the bore II. A firing pin 2| is slidably disposed in bore 20, this firing pin having a part 22 in chamber l8 for firing the cartridge l and having a threaded end beyond and extending through bore 20. A nut 23 is threaded on the outer end of the firing pin and a spring 24 is compressed between the nut 23 and the wall I9.

The operation of the device is as follows:

A cartridge [5 is placed in the barrel, the head is screwed on the barrel, and the nut 23 is tightened to put a sufiicient pressure on the spring 24 so that the part 22 of the firing pin is held steadily away from the cartridge. The grease fitting of the clogged passage is removed and the neck I I screwed into the passage. The firing pin is then tapped with a hammer or other tool, driving the part 22 against the firing mechanism of the cartridge (shown as center fire). The cartridge explodes and the rapidly expanding gases expand through bore l1 and through the clogged grease passage, pushing all grease and dirt ahead of it and thereby clearing the passage of the matter clogging it.

After the cartridge has been exploded, the head is removed from the barrel, both of which are provided with wrench parts 25. If the cartridge sticks in its chamber, it may be driven out by means of a nail inserted through the bore 11. If it is desired to leave a live cartridge in the device, the nut 23 is tightened up until the spring is solid, or nearly so, whereupon the firing pin cannot hit the cartridge. Thus the cartridge cannot be accidentally discharged.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise construction herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A device for opening clogged lubrication passages comprising a barrel having a seat for a cartridge rim, a chamber extending from said seat for the shell of said cartridge, a threaded neck at its end remote from said seat adapted to be screwed into a passage to be cleaned, another threaded neck at its opposite end surrounding said seat, and a passage extending from said chamber through said first mentioned end, a head screwed on said other threaded neck and having a chamber and a bore in line with said seat, a firing pin slidably disposed in said bore and having a member in said head chamber adapted to fire said cartridge upon impact therewith when said pin is moved relative to said head, said pin extending outwardly of said head and having an exterior threaded end, a nut screwed on said threaded end, and a coil spring compressed between said nut and head holding said pin extended, whereby said nut may be turned on the extended end of said pin to completely compress the coils of said spring between the adjacent faces of said head and said nut holding said pin against movement relative to said head.

2. A device for opening clogged lubrication pas.

sages comprising a barrel having a seat for a. cartridge rim, a chamber extending from said seat for the shell of said cartridge, a threaded neck at its end remote from said seat adapted to be screwed into a passage to be cleaned, another threaded neck at its opposite end surrounding said seat, and a passage extending from said chamber through said first mentioned end, a head screwed on said other threaded neck and having a chamber and a bore in line" with said seat, a firing pin slidably disposed in said bore and having a member in said head chamber adapted to fire said cartridge upon impact therewith, said pin extending outwardly of said head and having an exterior end, a coil spring on said firing pin normally holding it away from said cartridge, and means for preventing accidental discharge of said cartridge, said means including threads on the exterior end of said pin, and a nut adjustably threaded on said pin exterior end bearing against said spring whereby said nut can be turned to compress said spring to a solid position whereby said firing pin is held from engagement with said cartridge.

FLOYD D. JONES.

REFERENCES CITED The. following references are of record in the file of this patent:

Whipple Nov. 16, 1948 

